Packaging machine comprising a machine frame and method for the construction and alteration thereof

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a packaging machine including a machine frame in addition to a method for the construction and alteration thereof. The packaging machine includes a frame made of transversal ( 3, 22, 28, 29 ) and longitudinal elements ( 2, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 25, 33 ) for receiving and fixing the individual work stations of the packaging machine, whereby the stations are used, for example, for forming, filling, sealing and labelling the packaging. Displacably mounted securing means for the work stations are fixably arranged on the longitudinal elements of the frames. The invention also relates to a method for constructing the type of packaging machine, whereby the frame is made of longitudinal elements ( 2, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 25, 33 ) which preferably are the same length as the individual work stations, and transversal elements ( 3, 22, 28, 29 ) are assembled together and the work stations are consequently suspended, orientated and fixed in the frame. The invention further relates to a method for altering the packaging machine, whereby the respective work stations are removed form the frame once the securing means have been detached. Subsequently, a replacement-work station can be fixed to the longitudinal elements. The longitudinal elements can also be removed, the remaining frame parts being joined together. The old work station is replaced by a new one which has different dimensions, and the longitudinal elements are also replaced by longitudinal elements having a different length.

The invention relates to a packaging machine with a frame for receivingand fixing workstations, for example for forming, sealing, cutting andlabelling packaging. In particular, the invention relates to a machinefor the production of thermoformed packaging trays made of plastic film.In addition, the invention relates to methods for the construction andalteration of the said packaging machine.

Machines of the type in question comprise many workstations that fulfilvarious functions and are usually installed and aligned in series. Afterunwinding, and in some circumstances, heating, a plastic film passesthrough the stages of forming, cooling, filling, sealing, labelling andcutting. Here, it is above all important to ensure that the relativeposition of the individual workstations is permanently guaranteed, bothin relation to each other and to the equipment operating over the entirelength of the machine, such as, for example, the conveying device forthe film web or webs.

The workstations must, therefore, be arranged in such a way that thealignment of the individual components in relation to each other ispermanently ensured. One possibility for ensuring this is to use amachine frame encompassing the workstation in question. In the case ofthe known packaging machines with frames, prefabricated units comprisinga frame and the actual workstation are arranged in sequence, aligned andoptionally interconnected. In the packaging machines known from priorart, individual workstations can only be replaced with difficulty. Inaddition, in the majority of cases, the subsequent installation of newworkstations with different dimensions in the known packaging machinesis only possible at considerable expense.

It was, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a packagingmachine that does not have the drawbacks of the prior art and is simpleto produce and alter.

The object of the invention is achieved by a packaging machine with thefeatures disclosed in claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the inventionmay be found in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, therefore, a packaging machine is providedthat may be assembled using a simple method of construction and, ifrequired, may also be extended or reduced by individual or severalworkstations. For this, the machine frame is constructed in a wayadapted to the machine dimensions in order to encompass the individualworkstations in the machine. The machine frame substantially comprisestransverse elements, which, with many longitudinal elements, on whichthe workstations are mounted in an at least partially displaceable wayand attached fixably thereto.

Hereby, the longitudinal elements may have any cross section that ispreferably constant along the length in order to facilitate thedisplacement of the fixing means in the longitudinal direction. Thiscan, for example, be ensured if longitudinal elements with rectangularor square cross sections or even with profiled sheets are used.Particularly advantageous, however, is the use of tubes, preferably witha substantially, round cross-sectional area. This in particular opens upthe possibility of connecting tubes together in a particularly simpleway and of achieving a high degree of rigidity for the machine frame.Also preferred are profiles, preferably tubes with a rectangular orsquare cross section. The use of profiles of this kind greatlysimplifies the displacement of the fixing means. In addition, the use ofround tubes facilitates the cleaning of the machine, which, particularlywhen it is used as a packaging machine for foodstuffs, is performedfrequently and thoroughly, since in this case, the cleaning agents cangenerally drain off and do not accumulate on the surfaces.

The length of the longitudinal elements is determined by the individualcircumstances. The longitudinal elements may each extend over the entirelength of the packaging machine or may also be shorter. The longitudinalelements may be made of one piece or each comprise several sections.

If the longitudinal elements comprise several sections, these arepreferably connected in a way that ensures that the machine frame has ahigh degree of rigidity. A connection of this kind is provided in anadvantageous embodiment of the invention if vertical straps areconnected to the ends of the longitudinal elements. Placing the strapsnext to each other and connecting them in a reversible manner produces aparticularly simple and secure positive and non-positive connection ofthe longitudinal elements, which can, moreover, be easily disconnected.In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, this connectionof the straps is achieved by bolts. This particularly advantageousembodiment creates a connection of the longitudinal elements that isparticularly easy to disconnect, adaptable to the circumstances inquestion and reliable.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the longitudinalelements are connected by means of a connecting element with twoopposing threads, preferably a multi-edge connecting element. Theconnection of the longitudinal elements with the connecting elementachieves a firm connection. In addition, the connected longitudinalelements could also be pre-stressed. High rigidity of the machine frameis also ensured in this preferred embodiment of the invention.

Further preferred embodiments of the connection of the longitudinalelements are shown in FIGS. 9 a, b and 10 a, b.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, pairs ofvertically spaced longitudinal elements have connecting rods. These rodsare able significantly to increase the rigidity of the frame structure.Here, it is particularly advantageous to attach: the rods in a way thatensures that the displacement of the fixing means and/or workstationsalong the longitudinal elements is not impaired or at least remainspossible. In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of theinvention, these rods may be welded onto the longitudinal elements. Onthe one hand, this provides a type of connection that is simple toachieve between the longitudinal elements and on the other, it is alsopossible to attach the rods subsequently to the existing frame structurein order, for example, to increase the rigidity of the entire structureor even to reinforce only selected sections of the frame.

The fixing means may be attached to the packaging machine according tothe invention in any shape and number. In order to ensure a reliableconnection between the machine frame and the individual workstations inthe packaging machine, it is advantageous if the fixing means at leastpartially enclose the longitudinal elements in a positive way. Thefixing means may be in one piece and pushed onto the longitudinalelements before the assembly of the machine frame. Particularlyadvantageous is an embodiment of the fixing means in several parts,which, connected to each other, achieve the at least partial positiveconnection with the longitudinal elements. This will enable thesubsequent attachment of further fixing means or the removal ofsuperfluous fixing means even without at least partial dismantling ofthe machine frame.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fixingmeans comprise two substantially identical halves connected together,which interact to enclose the longitudinal elements on two sides atleast partially positively.

In principle, it is sufficient to mount the fixing means on onelongitudinal element in each case. However, if round tubes are used asthe longitudinal elements, to ensure the reliable and torsion-resistantmounting of the fixing means they must interact with at least twovertically spaced longitudinal elements, preferably round tubes. Thisembodiment of the packaging machine according to the invention ensuresthe reliable fixing of the workstations on the longitudinal elements onthe frame.

For the reliable fixing of the workstations in question on the frame, atleast two fixing means are provided in each case, which are connected totwo diagonally opposite application points on the workstation.Preferably, however, the workstations in question are fixed by means ofat least three, preferably four, fixing means, whereby at least onefixing means must act on each longitudinal side of the workstation inquestion.

Also preferably, fixing means of any type are provided directly on theworkstations. These workstations may be pushed inside the machine frameand then fixed to the desired location. The fixing is preferablyachieved by friction locking with the longitudinal elements.

A transverse element for the purposes of the invention is any componentwhich is suitable to function as a spacer between the longitudinalelements transverse to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinalelements and to ensure sufficient rigidity of the frame structure. Aperson skilled in the art will recognise that the transverse elements donot necessarily have to be produced from a solid material. It is alsoconceivable to provide frames, optionally reinforced by transverse ordiagonal elements, grids, or even punched sheets such as perforatedsheets or similar. A person skilled in the art will also recognise thatthe transverse elements could also be made up of several parts, forexample, posts and cross struts of any shape.

Two transverse elements form the end walls of a packaging machineaccording to the invention. In addition, further transverse elements areused as required inside the frame. The installation of additionaltransverse elements in the frame significantly reinforces theconstruction. Reinforcing elements may also be installed subsequently atno significant cost if, for example, weak points are identified inindividual areas of the construction. However, it may also be necessaryto incorporate transverse elements temporarily, for example, if theloading on the frame structure is increased, perhaps during thetransportation of the entire frame together with the workstations fixedtherein. The transverse elements may also, for example during analteration, be displaced along the longitudinal elements and thenrefixed.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, recesses are provided inthe sides of the transverse elements that are suitable for receiving atleast a partial circumference of the longitudinal elements. This kind ofembodiment of the packaging machine according to the invention achievesa space-saving design of the machine frame in a particularly simple way.

Preferably, the packaging machine according to the invention has bracingelements at least in part sections. These bracing elements arepreferably further longitudinal elements that extend over at least twotransverse, elements. This embodiment of the frame is a particularlyefficient way of increasing the rigidity of the construction eitherselectively in part sections or in the entire frame.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, means for thedisplaceable mounting of the workstations are provided on the individualworkstations to enable the position of the workstations to be changed,preferably along the longitudinal elements. This facilitates thedisplacement and, in particular, the adjustment of workstations in a waythat is particularly simple and quick to perform.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, these meansare connected to the workstations. In an embodiment of the inventionpreferred above all, the displacement of the workstations in the machineframe is achieved by means of a toothed rack or spindle. Thisparticularly preferred embodiment of the invention opens up aparticularly reliable and infinitely variable possibility foradjustment, which also offers a high degree of accuracy.

It may also be useful to fix only some of the workstations inside themachine frame. This is always of advantage if exact alignment with theother workstations does not appear necessary. An embodiment of this kindis also an effective way of preventing the transmission of vibrationsfrom one workstation to the other or to the entire frame.

In addition, means for securing cover plates or screens are preferablyprovided on the machine frame of the machine according to the invention.Individual machine areas in the frame are regularly covered to complywith the safety regulations applicable to the operation of a packagingmachine of this type. The covers, may, for example, prevent the machinecomponents from coming into contact with the operating personnel, thuspreventing the contamination of the packaging films and minimising therisk of injury.

The frame of the packaging machine according to the invention ispreferably produced from a material that has the strength and bearingcapacity required to meet the aforementioned objectives and is alsoresistant to aggressive media such as detergents or disinfectants. Dueto the high hygienic standards to be adhered to, regular thorough andextensive cleaning and disinfection of the entire system at shortintervals is required, particularly when the machines are used for theproduction of packaging for foodstuffs. Therefore, it is useful to makethe frame out of a material that is able to meet both objectives, suchas, for example aluminium or stainless steel. However, also conceivableis the fulfilment of both objectives by means of different components ina combination of materials, for example a coated material.

However, in view of the frequency of cleaning, the shape of the machineframe should always be designed with a view to ensuring that there areno areas that are difficult to access and in particular that there areno undrainable retaining areas in which residual amounts of detergentcould accumulate.

The invention also relates to a method for the construction andalteration of the packaging machine according to the invention, which isdescribed in more detail below. However, the stages of the methoddescribed should not be understood to be an exhaustive list of all theoperations nor does the claimed list specify the sequence in which theseoperations should be performed when implementing the method according tothe invention.

The method according to the invention for the construction of apackaging machine envisages that the construction and assembly of themachine frame will take the form of the connection of the longitudinalelements to the transverse elements. In this machine frame, theindividual workstations are then suspended and then the relevantworkstations are aligned by displacement and finally connectednon-positively to the machine frame.

When performing the method according to the invention, a frame adaptedto the machine to be constructed is produced with particularly simplemeans. In addition, this opens up the possibility of performing theconstruction quickly and with simple means on site.

In another method according to the invention, the packaging machine isaltered, for example, in the event of defects in individual parts of thesystem, by removing the workstations from the existing frame afterdisconnecting the fixing means. A replacement station may then be placedin the frame and connected non-positively to the frame. This kind ofembodiment of the method according to the invention enables system partsto be replaced in a particularly simple way and in a particularly shorttime, whereby the replacement station does not have to have the samelongitudinal dimensions as the original station.

System parts with different dimensions from the parts they are replacingmay be placed in the frame by displacing the other workstations alongthe longitudinal elements before or after the insertion of the newworkstation. Similarly, for example if operational steps are abolished,a workstation may be removed and not replaced. The machine is thenreturned to the optimum operating mode in a particularly simple way bymeans of the displacement of the remaining workstations in the existingmachine frame.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS.1-11. The diagrams, however, only represent examples of a deviceaccording to the invention and do not restrict the general inventiveidea in any way.

FIG. 1 shows a partially simplified schematic representation of apackaging machine for the production of packaging.

FIG. 2 shows an overview of a machine frame of a packaging machineaccording to the invention in a first embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows an overview of a machine frame of a packaging machineaccording to the invention in a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows an overview of a machine frame of a packaging machineaccording to the invention in a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows an overview of a machine frame of a packaging machineaccording to the invention in a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective magnified detail drawing of part of thefourth embodiment according to FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of the transverse element of the fourthembodiment according to FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 a shows a perspective view of a further transverse element

FIG. 8 b shows a side view of the transverse element according to FIG. 8a

FIGS. 9 a, b show an embodiment of the connection between twolongitudinal elements.

FIGS. 10 a, b show a further embodiment of the connection between twolongitudinal elements.

FIG. 11 shows the mounting of a workstation on the machine frame

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of the packaging machine according to theinvention. A film 42 is rolled off a roller and first passes through athermoforming station 43 comprising an upper tool 44 and a lower tool45. The lower tool 45 is mounted on a plate 46, which, as indicated bythe arrow, may be raised and lowered. The, film 42 is formed into apackaging tray 47 in the thermoforming station 43.

Then, the packaging trays 47 are filled with packaged goods and thepackaging trays sealed with a covering film in the downstream sealingstation 48. The sealing station 48 also comprises an upper tool 49 and alower tool 50 with it again being possible to raise and lower the lowertool in the sealing station.

Finally, the packaging is cut apart in the cutting station 51. Thecutting station also comprises an upper tool 52 and a lower tool 53 withit again being possible to raise and lower the lower tool 53 in thecutting station.

FIG. 2 shows a machine frame 1 comprising tubular longitudinal elements2 and transverse elements 3. It also shows fixing elements 4 comprisingan external half 5 and an internal half 6 attached to the longitudinalelements 2 is a displaceable and fixable way. Also attached are means 26for fixing the transverse elements 3 to the longitudinal elements 2. Thetransverse elements 3 comprise on their undersides 11 recesses 7 forreceiving a partial circumference of the longitudinal elements 2.Recesses 27 with the same shape are also provided in side walls of thetransverse elements 3. The recesses 7 are designed so that, togetherwith the means 26 for the fixing of the transverse elements 3, theyenclose the longitudinal elements 2 in a positive way. The externalhalves 5 of the fixing means 4, 14 and the means 26 for the fixing ofthe transverse elements 3 may also have the same design. In this case,the recesses 7, 27 on the transverse elements 3 have a shape that formsa positive and/or non-positive connection between the transverse element3 and the longitudinal element 2 when the transverse elements and themeans 26 are joined together. The entire machine frame 1 rests on manyadjustable feet 9, with which level compensation is possible, forexample in the case of an uneven floor.

The suspension of the workstations in the machine frame 1 requires atleast two horizontally spaced and longitudinal elements 2 extending inparallel that connect the adjacent transverse elements 3 with eachother. In addition, the rigidity of the construction may be increased bythe addition of an optional number of further longitudinal elements 2 tothe existing longitudinal elements. For this, two longitudinal elements12, 13 are attached in the central area 10 of the machine frame 1 forexample on the underside 11 of the side walls of the wall elements 3.

FIG. 3 also shows a machine frame 1 in which two longitudinal elements15, 16, attached one on top of the other and extending in parallel, areconnected to each other by means of many rods 17. In the diagram, theserods 17 are distributed evenly along the length of the machine frame 1.It is, however, also conceivable that the rods 17 could have a shorterspacing between them in certain areas and possibly even to be completelyabsent in other areas of the machine frame 1.

FIG. 4 shows a machine frame 1 in a further embodiment. The longitudinalelements 25 in this embodiment comprise profile sheets 18 andrail-shaped elements 19 resting on blocks 20 kept at a distance fromeach other by a spacer 21 on the transverse elements 22. The recesses 23in the transverse elements 22 have the same shape as the profile sheets18. The profile sheets 18 are secured to the transverse elements 22 byslinging means 24. Means not shown here for fixing the machinecomponents that are not shown here are mounted displaceably between thedifferent slinging means 24. In the embodiment of the longitudinalelements 25 shown in FIG. 3 and in every other type of embodiment inwhich the longitudinal elements 25 do not have a round cross section, itis sufficient for the reliable fixing of the workstations if the fixingmeans (not shown here) only interact with one longitudinal element 25and are mounted thereon displaceably and fixably.

FIG. 5 shows a machine frame 1 in which the transverse elements 3comprise vertical transverse posts 28, transverse tubes 29 and lower andupper connecting means 30, 31 for the non-positive connection of thetransverse posts 28 and transverse tubes 29. The means 28 and 29 aretransverse elements within the meaning of the invention. At the ends ofthe superior pairs of longitudinal elements 15, 16 are the verticalstraps 32 connecting the longitudinal elements 15 and 16 with eachother. Several pairs of longitudinal elements 15, 16 are then connectedby a positive and non-positive connection of the straps 32 for each pairof longitudinal elements 15, 16. The longitudinal elements 33 lyingbelow the pairs of longitudinal elements 15, 16 are also connected toeach other by means of straps 34 that are vertical to the longitudinalelements 33. The transverse posts 28 contain receptacles for thetransverse tubes 29. In addition, the connecting means 30, 31 containreceptacles for the transverse posts 28 and the transverse tubes 29. Inaddition, the connecting means 30, 31 have apertures through which thelongitudinal elements 15, 16, 33 may be led. In addition, the upperconnecting means 31 connect holding means 35 to which further means (notshown) may be secured to reinforce the transverse elements 3.

FIG. 6 is a magnified detail drawing of the embodiment according to FIG.4. The straps 32, 34 have holes 36 to receive rivets or bolts for thenon-positive connection of the straps 32, 34 connected to thelongitudinal elements 15, 16, 33. The lower connecting means 30 comprisean external part 37 and an internal part 38. The internal part 38 of thelower connecting means 30 has a receptacle for a transverse tube 29 anda recess in which a partial circumference of the longitudinal element 33is received. The internal part 38 connects the transverse post 28positively. The external part 37 of the lower connecting means 30 alsohas a receptacle for a partial circumference of the longitudinal element33. The parts 37 and 38 combined form a positive connection with thelongitudinal element 33. The upper connecting means 31 comprise anexternal part 39 and an internal part 40. The external part 39 has tworecesses to receive a partial circumference of the longitudinal elements15 and 16. The internal part 40 also has these recesses so that combinedthe parts 39, 40 encircle the longitudinal elements 15, 16 positively.In addition, the internal part 40 connects holding means 41 extending inthe longitudinal direction of the machine frame 1 in the form of twoparallel, spaced clamping rails to receive further reinforcing elements(not shown) of the transverse elements 3.

FIG. 7 is a section offset from the mirror axis through the transverseelement 3 according to FIGS. 4 and 5. The internal parts 38 of the lowerconnecting means 30 connect feet 9 on which the entire machine framerests. The internal parts 40 of the upper connecting means 31 areconnected to holding means 35 in which there are grooves 41 in whichfurther reinforcing elements may be inserted and/or locked.

FIG. 8 a is a perspective view of a further transverse element. In thiscase, the transverse posts 28 are designed as U-profiles in which areincorporated the internal parts 38, 40 of the connecting means. Thelongitudinal elements 2 are partially received by these connectingmeans. The external connecting means 37, 39 are screwed to thetransverse posts and also partially enclose the longitudinal elements 2.The two transverse posts 28 are connected to each other by a sheet 61that has been bent at the edges.

FIG. 8 b is a side view of the transverse element according to FIG. 8a.This view clarifies in particular that all parts are connected to eachother or designed so that gaps 63 are present through which cleaningwater is able to drain out. This construction is very hygienic since itprevents the accumulation of liquid. The distance between the sheet 61and the transverse posts 28 is achieved by means of a washer 62, forexample.

FIGS. 9 a, b show an embodiment of the connection between twolongitudinal elements 2 substantially comprising two L-shaped parts 2′and 2″. The parts 2′ and 2″ are both welded to a longitudinal element.They are connected to each other by means of the thread 65 and bolts,not shown, centred in relation to each other by the pins 64.

FIGS. 10 a, b show a further embodiment of the connection between twolongitudinal elements 2 substantially designed as a peg 2″ that isinserted in a hole 2′. The non-positive connection is provided by thepins 64 which are inserted into the relevant holes after the insertionof the peg into the hole

FIG. 11 shows the mounting of a workstation on the machine frame. Eachworkstation has at least 2, preferably 4, wheels 66 running between thelongitudinal elements 2 so that the workstations may be displaced alongthe machine frame. When they reach the desired position, theworkstations are locked with the machine frame.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   1 Machine frame-   2 Longitudinal element-   2′ Connecting element for the longitudinal elements-   2 Connecting element for the longitudinal elements-   3 Transverse element-   4 Fixing means-   5 External half of the fixing element-   6 Internal half of the fixing element-   7 Recesses in the undersides of the transverse elements-   8 External side of the recesses-   9 Feet of the machine frame-   10 Central area of the machine frame-   11 Underside of the transverse element-   12 Longitudinal element-   13 Longitudinal element-   14 Fixing means-   15 Longitudinal element-   16 Longitudinal element-   17 Rods-   18 Profiled longitudinal element-   19 Rail-shaped longitudinal element-   20 Blocks-   21 Spacer-   22 Transverse element-   23 Recess-   24 Slinging means-   25 Longitudinal element-   26 Means for fixing the transverse elements-   27 Recesses in the side walls of the transverse elements-   28 Transverse posts-   29 Transverse tubes-   30 Lower connecting means-   31 Upper connecting means-   32 Strap-   33 Lower longitudinal element-   34 Strap-   35. Holding means-   36 Hole in the strap-   37 External part of the lower connecting means-   38 Internal part of the lower connecting means-   39 External part of the upper connecting means-   40 Internal part of the upper connecting means-   41 Film-   42 Upper path-   43 Thermoforming station-   44 Upper tool-   45 Lower tool-   46 Plate-   47 Packaging tray-   48 Sealing station-   49 Upper tool-   50 Lower tool-   51 Cutting station-   52 Upper tool-   53 Lower tool-   61 Bent sheet-   62 Washer-   63 Gap-   64 Pins-   65 Thread-   66 Wheels

1. Packaging machine comprising several workstations for the productionof sealed, plastic packaging comprising a machine frame (1) forreceiving and fixing the workstations comprising parallel and spacedapart longitudinal elements (2, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 25, 33) and,vertically to the longitudinal direction of the frame (1), transverseelements (3, 22, 28, 29) positively and/or non-positively connected tothe longitudinal elements (2, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 25, 33) and thatthe workstations are mounted displaceably at least partially along thelongitudinal elements (2, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 25) and arranged fixablythereon, characterised in that the longitudinal elements are arrangedone on top of the other, a short distance apart, and in that theworkstations are mounted between the longitudinal elements.
 2. Packagingmachine according to claim 1, characterised in that the length of thelongitudinal elements (2, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 25, 33) is reversiblyvariable.
 3. Packaging machine according to claim 1, characterised inthat the longitudinal elements (2, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 25, 33) aretubes, preferably with a rectangular or square cross-sectional area. 4.Packaging machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the lengthof the longitudinal elements (2, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 25, 33) is lessthan the length of the packaging machine.
 5. Packaging machine accordingto either claim 3, characterised in that the longitudinal elements (2,12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 25, 33) are connected to the transverse elements(3, 22, 28, 29) by means of braceable clamping jaws (37, 39), 6.Packaging machine according to claim 5, characterised in that providedon the external side of the transverse elements and on the internal sideof the clamping jaws are corresponding recesses that at least partiallyreceive the longitudinal elements.
 7. Packaging machine according toclaim 1, characterised in that the transverse elements comprise supports(28) shaped as U-profiles and preferably connected to each other by asheet (61).
 8. Packaging machine according to claim 1, characterised inthat the workstation is a thermoforming, filling, sealing and/or cuttingstation.
 9. Packaging machine according to claim 1, characterised inthat in the upper area of the machine frame it comprises twolongitudinal elements one lying a short distance above the other.
 10. Amethod for the construction of a packaging machine comprising severalworkstations for the production of sealed, plastic packaging accordingto any one of comprising: forming a machine frame for receiving andfixing the workstations comprising parallel and spaced apartlongitudinal elements (2, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 25, 33) and,vertically to the longitudinal direction of the frame (1), transverseelements (3, 22, 28, 29) positively and/or non-positively connected tothe longitudinal elements (2, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 25, 33);displaceably mounting the workstations at least partially along thelongitudinal elements (2, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 25) and arranged fixablythereon; arranging the longitudinal elements on top of the other, ashort distance apart and mounting the workstations between thelongitudinal elements; and connecting the longitudinal elements (2, 12,13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 25, 33) and transverse elements (3, 22, 28, 29), andsuspension, alignment and fixing of the workstations between thelongitudinal elements.
 11. (canceled)